India-Pakistan Water Commissioners to meet next week

After threatening to move World Bank over Kishenganga project, Pakistan is set to rake up with India the issue of two more hydel power units being constructed in Jammu and Kashmir when Indus Water Commissioners of the two countries meet here on May 31.

“Pakistan has objections to construction of the Uri-II and Chutak hydel power projects and they will raise the issue during regular meeting of the Indus Water Commission,” a source told PTI today.

Pakistan alleges that these two projects violate the 1960 Indus Water Treaty that governs rights of the two countries on six common rivers.

India maintains that there is no violation of the treaty and is expected to demonstrate this at the upcoming meeting.

The 240 MW Uri-II hydel power project is being constructed on Jhelum river in Kashmir valley.

The 44 MW Chutak project is being constructed in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir’s Ladakh provice and would harness the hydropower potential of Suru river.

The barrage of the project is located near village Sarzhe and the power house is proposed on right bank of river Suru near village Chutak.

Pakistan claims that the construction of the Chutak project would block 35,000-feet per acre water.

According to Pakistan, India had given it certain time to respond to designs of these two projects but started construction work before the deadline for Pakistan’s response.

The Pakistani objections to these new projects comes after its recent letter threatening to move the World Bank for arbitration over Kishenganga power project in Jammu and Kashmir, which it alleges violates the 1960 Indus Water Treaty.

It was the third such threat within one year by Pakistan.

During the three-day meeting beginning May 31, the two sides will also try to finalise the annual report and work out the programme for the next year as per the 1960 pact.

Under the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan has exclusive right over three of the common rivers -- Indus, Jhelum and Chenab -- while India has exclusive right over Sutlej, Ravi and Beas. Kishenganga is a tributary of Jhelum river.